Michigan

Strahan teaches Staley a lesson

Even though he is having a very successful season as a rookie starter in San Francisco, CMU product Joe Staley was humbled a bit this past weekend by Michael Strahan. The New York Giants All-Pro defensive end, got 2.5 sacks while matched up with Staley. Seems like rookies always have to learn the hard way.

October 22, Contra Costa Times Staley appeared overmatched against Strahan, a 15-year NFL veteran who boosted his career sack total to 1361/2, most among active players.

"Today was an education,"' Staley said. "I did learn a couple of things. I was not being the aggressor like I had to be. I wasn't getting my hands on him. At the end of the game I was playing well, but I needed to make adjustments sooner."

It's not like Staley was the only one struggling to hold up in pass protection, though.

In all, the 49ers surrendered six sacks for the second time in three games. One of them led to a Trent Dilfer fumble that was returned 75 yards for a touchdown by defensive end Osi Umenyiora.